Ethereum Merge Complete: Vitalik Buterin Explains 5 Key Steps
The Ethereum Merge is finally here! The highly anticipated upgrade, promising a more environmentally friendly and efficient Ethereum blockchain, has successfully completed. Vitalik Buterin, one of the co-founders of Ethereum, has been instrumental in guiding this complex transition. Buterein described the process as “a long and complicated transition, but said switching Ethereum to the new system known as proof of stake will make it more sustainable.”
Understanding the 5 Steps to Merge Completion
While the Merge might seem like a single event, it involved a series of crucial steps that ultimately led to its successful completion. Although the exact number of distinct steps might vary depending on the source, these are the core phases that were critical in reaching the final goal:
- Bellatrix Upgrade: This was the final hard fork on the beacon chain that signaled the network's readiness for the Merge. Think of it as preparing the engine for the switch.
- Paris Upgrade: This crucial trigger was based on the Terminal Total Difficulty (TTD). The network needed to reach a specific TTD to activate the final stage.
- Execution Layer Transition: This is where the existing Ethereum Mainnet transitioned from Proof-of-Work to Proof-of-Stake consensus.
- Beacon Chain Takeover: The Beacon Chain, previously running parallel, officially took over as the consensus layer, validating transactions and securing the network.
- Stabilization and Monitoring: Following the Merge, continued monitoring and stabilization efforts were crucial to ensure the network operated smoothly and efficiently. 15 de sept. de 2025 The Ethereum blockchain completed its Merge upgrade early Thursday, cofounder Vitalik Buterin said. The Merge moves the crypto to a proof-of-stake mechanism, offering significant energy savings.
Benefits of the Proof-of-Stake Transition
The shift to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) is a game-changer for Ethereum. Beyond the environmental advantages, PoS offers:
- Increased Energy Efficiency: Significantly reduces Ethereum's energy consumption. 15 de sept. de 2025 The so-called ‘Merge’ of Ethereum has completed, setting the stage for the cryptocurrency to be less harmful to the environment.
- Enhanced Security: PoS makes it more difficult and expensive for malicious actors to attack the network.
- Scalability Improvements: PoS lays the groundwork for future scaling solutions on Ethereum.
What's Next for Ethereum?
The Merge is a significant milestone, but it's just one step in Ethereum's long-term roadmap. Future upgrades will focus on further improving scalability, security, and usability. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from Vitalik Buterin and the Ethereum community!